An Interview With Noor

Noor was a foreign exchange student at South High School who attended our youth group for her year in Denver. As a Pakistani and a Muslim, her interest in attending youth group was largely academic and social. Arik recently interviewed her to better understand what she learned during her time with us. She was very willing to share with him and with the rest of our church. These answers may give us insight in how to continue loving, or better love, people from different cultures and beliefs.

Noor is wearing a purple shirt and sitting on the far left of the front row.

What did you most appreciate and least appreciate about the culture in Denver?

Culture in Denver was not how I expected. American people minding their own business and not really caring about what the other person does was not true. I loved how the people of Denver meet and greet everyone with so much love. They’re really welcoming as I, being from a totally different part of the world, could easily fit in and felt like it was home. You can instantly become friends with a stranger and that’s what I loved. I don’t think there was something specific that I didn’t like but people at school are mean.

What aspect of Pakistani culture would Denver benefit from adopting?

Pakistanis are really welcoming to their guests and they keep on inviting each other. Not that the people of Denver are not inviting, but that is one very important aspect of Pakistani culture and it holds everyone together. So I think it could contribute to more family time in the busy routine for most people.

What similarities and differences have you perceived in Islam and Christianity?

Both religions teach you about humanity. Both religions teach you to be a better individual and help you improve yourself every single day. They teach you to love God and creation. But, as far as I know, Muslims believe that God “is neither begot nor begotten” and Christians believe that Jesus Christ was the son of God. Also we believe that he wasn’t crucified. Instead, a doppelgänger was sent.

How can we as a church be more inviting and accepting?

I really praise how much the church was accepting towards me as a Muslim. What I’ve noticed is having interfaith services could bring more people together. I’m not sure if that abides by the policies of the church, but I’ve been to one in Denver and absolutely loved it.